Doctor and Pipe Smoking
This afternoon I had to go to my local Veterans Outpatient Clinic for a regular and routine doctors 'check under the hood" appointment. During her review of my history and past visits, she once again asked if I smoked. She smiled probably remembering a past conversation that we had. I told her I smoked my pipes, which of course led to a discussion.
I had to explain to her that I do not inhale the smoke which she seemed surprised to hear that, in fact I got the impression from her reaction that she did not know that most do not inhale the smoke of a pipe or a cigar.
Of course she smiled as she collected her thoughts, and came back at me suggesting that it is still no good for me. I explained it was good as it relaxed me, allowed me to be contemplative while doing so, and quite frankly allowed me to avoid strangling folks at times.
So the debate continues relative to physicians' attitudes toward pipe, and to a lesser degree cigar smoking (which also was unknown to her relative to not inhaling).
I had to explain to her that I do not inhale the smoke which she seemed surprised to hear that, in fact I got the impression from her reaction that she did not know that most do not inhale the smoke of a pipe or a cigar.
Of course she smiled as she collected her thoughts, and came back at me suggesting that it is still no good for me. I explained it was good as it relaxed me, allowed me to be contemplative while doing so, and quite frankly allowed me to avoid strangling folks at times.
So the debate continues relative to physicians' attitudes toward pipe, and to a lesser degree cigar smoking (which also was unknown to her relative to not inhaling).
Comments
Doctor: Are you still smoking?
Me: Yes, I smoke a pipe.
Doctor: Have you ever thought about quitting?
Me: No.
End of discussion.
Check out the above I just sent...
Doctor: Are you still smoking?
Me: Yes, I smoke a pipe and cigars.
Doctor: I enjoy a pipe every now and then. What is your favorite tobacco?
Me: Prince Albert and Dunhill Early Morning Blend.
Doctor: I smoke Prince Albert sometimes. Remember it well.
End of discussion.
My doctor has no problem with cigar or pipe smoking so long as neither one is inhaled which clearly, he can see from the periodic X-ray review. Cigarettes are a different issue but I have not smoked a cigarette since 2002. Being the smart-ass that I am, I felt the need to disclose the fact that more doctors smoked Camel cigarettes than any other brand. "Your T-zone will tell you!"
One of our sons is married to a doctor and she knows he smokes pipes and an occasional cigar. She hasn't told him he had to stop either.
A few years back, my GP asked if I smoke. I replied no. We haven't discussed it since then.
Nowdays, I don't worry about my insurance company finding out that I smoke. As soon as Obamacare went into effect, the insurance I was offered by my employer doesn't pay for anything, until I accumulate a $2500.00 deductible. In addition, my monthly premiums increased to $260.00 a month. The end result, is that I decided they can take their insurance policy, and stick it where the sun don't shine. Whatever I need, I just pay for in cash.
The neat thing about my GP, is that he has a sign up on the wall, that states, "If you have blood work done, and we don't call you, that means we didn't find anything. That is convenient for them, but I still have the symptoms which I came in to see you about. Here, let me come in for another appointment, so you can schedule an MRI, that won't find anything either, until they find something that leaves me with 6 weeks to live.
Clearly, if I reach a point where I am too sick to work, as soon as my paycheck's stop hitting the bank, I won't have any insurance anyway.
Such an intelligent strategy, to put the taxpayer 6 feet under, so they can't pay any more taxes. I suppose the government figures things will even out, when they won't need to pay the guy any Social Security, which they are trying to figure out a way to eliminate anyway.
I wonder if my GP would mind if I pour myself another double Ardbeg 10?
I am on Medicare, and I have some VA health benefits as well. Trying to figure out the system is like trying to learn astrophysics. Absolutely NOTHING makes sense. As you get into these issues, you do find they are not designed to assist the average person.
@Londy3 I'll try to take a better head-on pic with better light and post it again in hopes you can print it out and frame it under glass for your man cave...
Thanks for the heads up.....I looked into this but I am only 6 or so miles from a local Outpatient Clinic.
Thank you for your interest however.